Understanding Justification in James and Paul

DAY 284 CHALLENGE “James says we’re justified by faith and works (James 2:24), but that contradicts Paul, who says we’re justified by faith without works (Rom. 3:28, Gal. 2:16).” DEFENSE A careful examination shows the two are using key terms— faith, works, and justification—in different senses. James uses faith to refer to intellectual assent to the truths of faith. Thus he says, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder” (James 2:19). But Paul refers to what theologians call “formed faith” or “faith formed by charity.” Thus he says what counts is ...